I don't know if you're a fan of Seth MacFarlane, the impresario behind a succession of hit animated series like Family Guy and American Dad. (he's just launched The Cleveland Show in the US and also made an appearance in FlashForward, "the new Lost", but I digress).

MacFarlane's made his name as a smart-mouthed comedian with a rather savvy business streak: a recent $100m deal with the Fox network made him the highest-paid TV producer ever. Now he's found another way to cash in on his current success.

According to this report in Advertising Age, he's signed a deal with Microsoft to sponsor a variety show featuring MacFarlane and his Family Guy pals that's going to be broadcast on Fox. The programme, due to be shown on November 8 in America, won't have any ads: instead they'll be weaving in promotions for Windows 7 along the way.

And we're not just talking "brought to you in assocation with", either. Oh no, says AdAge:

"You'll see us deeply integrated into the content ... you'll hear a lot about how Windows 7 can help you simplify your PC -- it's simple, fast and easy to use," said Gayle Troberman, general manager of consumer engagement and advertising at Microsoft. She went on: "Think about metaphors and examples we might use, talking about how simple things are. We'll be evoking the cast of 'Family Guy' in some interesting ways that integrate the product messages."

This sort of thing couldn't happen on British TV, of course, given the rules on product placement and sponsorship. But I can't help wondering what it will look like.